This Texas Estate Inspired by Georgian Architecture Resembles English Charm

Marie Flanigan, the designer, chose to incorporate a British color scheme and architectural style into the home.

The Home Designer Showcases Georgian-Inspired Architecture in a Texas Residence

Marie Flanigan’s recent project exudes a classic look reminiscent of the English countryside but is actually located in Texas. The 6,000-square-foot home boasts Georgian-inspired architecture and rich, saturated tones, blending timeless elements with a modern twist.

An Authentic Touch

Although not a historic property, the residence incorporates many Georgian features, including arched details, adding a sense of character and charm. According to Sydney Manning, an interior designer at Marie Flanigan, the classic Georgian architecture brings a touch of formality resembling Southern design, which they embraced and highlighted throughout the home.

Main House and Guest House Renovations

In addition to the primary residence, featuring four bedrooms, three full baths, and two half baths, there is also a spacious guest house with a full-size basketball court. The shingle-style cottage, previously a three-car garage, underwent significant architectural renovations. This project was a collaboration among The Home Designer, architect Jerry L. Coleman, and builder Sheri Barringer of Barringer Custom Homes.

The Ideal Space: Enduring Designs for Purposeful Living

Explore more of this project in Flanigan’s upcoming second book, set to release from Rizzoli on September 17, 2024, and currently open for preorders.

The primary structure did not escape Flanigan’s significant architectural enhancements. Due to the property’s origins in the late 1980s, designed as a highly accurate Georgian residence, Flanigan aimed to reduce the excessive opulence to create a more practical living space for a family of four. “We stripped the house down to its framework in various areas while preserving key elements such as the original stair railing, paneling, molding, and hardwood floors,” Flanigan explains. “There were numerous archways adorned with intricate molding, in addition to a color scheme and finishes reflecting the early 1990s. Our objective was to revitalize the overly ornate and outdated interiors, reconfigure the disjointed layout, all the while retaining an authentic feel to the residence.”

Creating a Personalized Space

The homeowners desired a residence that reflected their roots as ex-New Yorkers now residing in Texas. The Home Designer, Flanigan, skillfully blended elements from both regions to achieve this goal. By carefully selecting a rich color scheme and incorporating a variety of natural materials and textures, the design achieved a sense of timelessness and sophistication. Embracing the inherent formal ambiance of Georgian architecture, the resulting space exudes a unique and personalized charm.

Stair Landing

The Home Designer reveals that the original staircase design did not reach the third floor, which was previously an attic. After discussing the possibilities with the client and architect, they decided to utilize the attic space, especially due to the presence of a skylight offering abundant natural light on the third floor. An innovative idea emerged on-site to extend the existing staircase to provide access to the third floor. An artisan was commissioned to replicate the intricate balusters of the lower staircase. The third-floor transformation included a custom Murano glass chandelier from Legacy and a commissioned painting by Michael Dines.

Elegant Living Space

Family Room Elegance

This area is primarily reserved for special occasions, although it sees frequent gatherings, according to Manning. The family benefits from an auto-play function on the piano, providing a delightful “live” music experience to guests and family members. The homeowner’s teenagers are mastering the piano with ongoing lessons.

Interior Design Elements

The tasteful interior design showcases elements like Dead Salmon wall paint from Farrow & Ball, an exquisite piano from Steinway & Sons, an elegant accent chair from John Saladino, a custom coffee table, and a stunning chandelier from Jonathan Browning Studios.

Mirror, Sofa, and Table Lamp

If you are looking to add a touch of elegance to your home, consider incorporating items such as a custom sofa in luxurious velvet from Arabel Fabrics. Complete the look with a table lamp designed by Marie Flanigan for Visual Comfort & Co.

Family Room

The Home Designer offers tips on how to design a cozy and inviting family room that is both functional and stylish. From choosing the right furniture and layout to adding personal touches, creating a space where the whole family can relax and spend time together is essential.

Creating a Calming Atmosphere

“Because this room is centrally located on the first floor, where plenty of the surrounding spaces are swathed in bolder hues, we wanted it to be a bit more calming in terms of the palette,” Manning explains.

Key Furniture Pieces

Sofa, coffee table, and lounge chairs: custom made to suit the space perfectly. Table lamp: sourced from 1stDibs. Side table: acquired from Pottery Barn. Chandelier: added from The Urban Electric Co. to enhance the ambience of the room.

Den

The Home Designer offers tips on creating a cozy den that can serve as a multifunctional space in your home.

Comfy and Cozy

Design Inspiration

Rich and elegant venues in New York, such as the Polo Bar, served as a muse for the clients, influencing the chosen color scheme. The room showcases various tones of red to create a cohesive look without exact matching, ensuring all shades belong to the same color family and harmonize seamlessly, according to Manning. An antique coffee table, repurposed from a 1870s steamer trunk, adds a vintage touch to the space.

Decor Details

Wall Paint: Carriage Door by The Home Designer. Sectional: A. Rudin. Chandelier: The Urban Electric Co. Coffee Table and Library Ladder: 1stDibs.

Mixing Antiques with Modern Pieces

“As a firm, we love to combine antiques with modern and found pieces because it helps bring the visual aesthetic together and introduces the element of collectedness,” Manning explains. The antique coffee table, for example, is a steamer trunk dating back to the 1870s.

Left: Featured Items: The leather armchair can be found at Ralph Lauren Home, while the side tables are available at Four Hands. The painting is by Mary H. Case.

Right: Highlighted Products: The console table is from 1stDibs, and the sconce is by Visual Comfort & Co.

Meditation Space

The individual’s interest in meditation led to the creation of a serene room adjacent to the bedroom for morning practice. This area serves as a tranquil retreat for the couple away from the rest of their home,” Manning describes. Wallcovering: Phillip Jefferies. Rug: personalized, Rug Mart. Chaises: customized by Quintus. Lantern: Dennis & Leen.